Who We Are.

At Shape Technologies Group (SHAPE) we’re devoted to a single goal: delivering innovative manufacturing process solutions that propel our customers to success. SHAPE is a strategic ecosystem of companies including Flow International, Dynamic Robotic Solutions (DRS), KMT Waterjet, H20 Jet, AquaDyne, Advanced Pressure Systems (APS), Tech-Con Automation, Aquarese, Projet System and TOPS. Collectively, we provide an extensive portfolio of manufacturing process solutions to customers around the world. The core technology of SHAPE was founded in high pressure waterjet cutting, cleaning, and surface preparation. Today, SHAPE’s offerings span automated assembly, material handling, software, process control, robotic motion systems, ultrahigh-pressure cutting and cleaning, aftermarket parts, and extensive support.

What makes us unique is our people.  We foster an environment that balances a passion for what we do with personal enrichment.  We pride ourselves on fostering programs like our tuition reimbursement program and internal mobility.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match.  The last week of December is a paid holiday to enjoy with friends and family.  We are looking forward to you joining our team.

The Global Category Manager is responsible for managing large-scale projects and negotiations simultaneously. Balancing strategy development with the tactical execution necessary to execute cost reduction projects through contract negotiation, process changes, and implementation of sustainable cost controls is essential in this role.

A candidate for this position must be a high energy, creative problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment and uses change management to guide and coach others to execute with speed and purpose.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Project Management – Lead sourcing projects and initiatives by working closely with key stakeholders and the SHAPE global sourcing organization. Identify stakeholder expectations and ensure that the sourcing project objectives, scope, and deliverables meet stakeholder expectations and that projects are delivered on-time and on-budget.
• Communication Skills – Exceptionally strong written and oral communication skills are a must. Ability to present to senior management, build relationships and become an influencer in major strategic decisions are critical to this position.
• Negotiations – Strong negotiations skills are essential in this role. Ability to negotiate complex global contracts is a must for this role.
• Information Resource – Must provide stakeholders with relevant and timely market trends and analyses such as commodity costing and currency trends. Commodity Manager should be subject matter expert for his/her commodity area.
• Technical Skills – A thorough understanding of manufacturing practices and the ability to understand product specifications and features are essential to success in this position.
• Analytical Skills – Enjoy gathering and digging deeply into data to identify issues and creative, effective solutions. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and prior experience utilizing Business Intelligence tools is a plus.
  

• Sense of urgency and comfort working in a fast-paced environment with a variety of simultaneous projects.
• Solid analytical skills to understand market dynamics and business requirements.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey ideas and processes.
• Drive, determination, and a self-disciplined approach to achieving results.
• Ability to complete work assignments accurately and quickly; ability to manage more than one initiative at once.
• Ability to perform analysis and interpret data into actionable steps.
• Ability to build strong relationships, both internally and externally
• Focused on results – willingness to do what it takes to get the job done right
• Strong work ethic – self-starter able to demonstrate strong proactive approach and self-initiative; persistent and tenacious; excessive level of commitment and dedication to meet aggressive deadlines with high-quality results.
• Demonstrated flexibility and open-mindedness around change; positive, can-do attitude
• Strong business acumen – strong financial, strategic, operational and leadership skills. Ability to understand business models and key drivers quickly.
• Ability to see the “big picture” and use quantitative and qualitative data to create strategies that move SHAPE forward.
  

Candidates are encouraged to illustrate personal experience of any/all these requirements on their resume and/or cover letter.

Minimum Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience owning and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a strategic sourcing role within a related manufacturing industry; Three (3) years’ experience with international sourcing in lower cost geographies
• Global experience leading cross-functional or geographically dispersed teams preferred
• RFP/RFI experience is a plus

Special Requirements:

• May require frequent availability and communication during non-standard business hours to communicate with global team members
• Fluency in a foreign language a plus
• Some domestic and international travel may be required (<30%)
  

Think You’ve Got What it Takes?

If you’re ready to have some fun, focus on results, and drive for the pursuit of quality in everything you do, we want you to join us.

Click I'm Interested today!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.